Parents
Corner
Some parents are new
to the daycare scene and not sure what questions to ask or what
they need to know. And there are parents with previous experience,
but always looking for new information regarding daycare. That is
why we have divided this page into 3 different sections. General
information, Helpful Phone Numbers and
a Check List of Parents Responsibilities.
 General Information
Regardless if you are choosing a family daycare or a child care
center, it is important to look at a few different sites. This will
help you in deciding what type of care you are looking for.
Remember this is one of the most important decisions that you will
make. You are choosing a specific person to spend a significant
amount of time with your child. You must be able to communicate
clearly with the provider.
What is the appeal of Family Daycare? Knowing that your child is
playing in a warm, cozy environment of a home is what most parents
find appealing. Some children in family daycares tend to have more
of a sibling-like relationship with other children in the program.
Important Information
for Parents
Caregiver background
check process - Exemptions
As a parent YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to ask the licensed child care home
or center whether anyone working or living there has an exemption.
If you request this information, and there is a person with an exemption,
the child care home or center must tell you the person’s name
and how he or she is involved with the home or center and give you
the name, address, and telephone number of the local licensing office.
Helpful Phone
Numbers
(760) 320-2253 Desert Daycares Creating Connections
(951) 782-4200 Duty Officer (To verify
that daycare is in good standing.)
(800) 442-4927 Resource & Referral
(888) 296-KIDS Subsidized Childcare
(951) 782-4200 Local Licensing Office – Riverside
County, San Gorgonio District Office
Checklist
of Parents Responsibilities
What you should
look for if your child is an infant:
- A stimulating environment.
- The caregiver provides
emotional support, including holding your child regularly.
- The caregiver adheres
to the infant capacity stated on the license.
What you should check in regards to basic health and safety
practices:
- Adequate heating and
ventilation.
- Poisons, detergents,
cleaning compounds, etc., are out of children's reach.
- Fences around or
covers on swimming pools, spas, and other bodies of water.
- Stairs barricaded
in facilities where children less than five years old are in care.
- Guns and other weapons
stored in locked areas.
- An emergency plan
in case of fire or earthquake.
- An emergency information
card for every child in care.
- A fire extinguisher
and smoke alarm.
- Labeled personal
items (food, bottles, etc.).
You should discuss the following:
- Times for arrival
and pick-up.
- Fees and admission
policies.
- Items to be brought
from home (food, toys, change of diapers, change of clothes, toothbrush,
infant furniture, etc.).
- Providing instructions
for giving medicines or special foods.
- Providing telephone
numbers for home, work, spouse's work, doctor and neighbor.
- Providing a list
of names and telephone numbers of people who may pick up your
child.
The child care facility should provide your child with:
- A clean and tidy environment.
- Adequate toys and
games.
- Discipline. (Spanking
is not permitted in licensed homes or facilities)
- Meals.
- Enough room (indoor
and outdoor) for your child to play.
- Activities.
Important questions you should ask a potential provider:
- How will my child
be cared for when he or she gets sick?
- How many other children
will be cared for?
- What are the ages
of the other children?
- What are the sleeping/rest
arrangements?
Good child care includes the following:
- A caregiver who provides
warm and loving care and guidance for your child and who works
with the family to make sure your child grows and learns in the
best possible way.
- A setting that keeps
your child safe, secure, and healthy.
- Activities that help
your child grow mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally.
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